It’s that time again, when students and parents alike consider assembling that all-important back to school/off to college wardrobe. Of course, you want to fit in, but not too much. You want to stand out, but not too much. You want to spend money, but not too much. You want to buy style and quality, … More The Annual Old Money Back To School Wardrobe List
Almost every week I read an article or (more likely) scan a headline that ominously warns of artificial intelligence and its impending dangers (and possibilities) for our future. Of course technology’s nasty habit of replacing human labor and expertise with machines–doing a task quicker, better, and cheaper than people can do it–is an obvious worry. … More Choosing AE Over AI
We’ve often discussed clothing as a part of the Old Money philosophy. It is the most visible part, but not the most important part. The most important part is the adoption of Old Money Core Values, as I note in The Old Money Book. However, as the most visible part, the clothing we choose is … More Your Wardrobe: Playing A Supporting Role
We’ve had a few comments lately about the word ‘class’. As the author of The Old Money Book, which has ‘Secrets of the Upper Class’ in its title, I feel it’s important to clarify the term, the context in which it’s used, and how I use it. ‘Class’ has been defined as: A set, collection, … More Let’s Talk About Class
After living abroad for a period of time (six months in Italy and seven years in France), I feel qualified to offer a very gentle primer on how to better understand any friends you may have who are now living full time outside the United States. Why could this be helpful? Because people change when … More Understanding Your Expat Friends
As Americans, we tend to take a very individualistic view of the ourselves, our country, and our world. We idealize the vision, determination, and hard work of the individual as dominant forces in shaping his or her world. Fate, luck or the help of others is often downplayed. The self-made man is just that: a … More The Importance of Institutions
Since living in Europe for the past few years, I have become familiar with the work of Stacey Dooley, a British television presenter–as they’re called on this side of the pond. In one of her series, a camera crew follows her as she spends the weekend with a unique or unusual family. Reality television being … More Stacey Dooley Meets The British Upper Class
As the author of The Old Money Book, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that I have an interest in self-improvement. I’ve read a few self-help books, even as my book choices have always been random in terms of genres and subject matter. I’ve tried to become a little bit of an armchair expert in … More A Secret vs. A Practice
Regretfully, we’ve experienced a recent surge in political tensions resulting from wars and terrorist attacks. Following these events, it is inevitable that we hear unsolicited opinions, forceful demands, and passionate pleas from celebrities and others who have been given a public platform, even if they do not hold public office or have any stake in … More Time and Place
Bethany, one of our Members of the Tribe here on the blog, recently asked “How much do you spend on your children’s education?” She astutely noted that I do place a great deal of emphasis on education in The Old Money Book and on this blog. It is, as many have noted before me, the … More How Much Do You Spend On Education?